I am so grateful for Ami Desai! I had been researching South Asian makeup artists in Southern California a year before my wedding date. It was really important that I find one person who could do it all--hair, makeup for Indian skin, and "proper" dressing/pinning, as you never know what you'll get with a random "aunty" from your family. I did a trial with her for my engagement session, loved the work, and my professional photos came out great! I did something very simple and natural, and I didn't have any idea of what I wanted, so I told her to do whatever she thought would look nice on me. I was really impressed with her knowledge and technique. She has an amazing make-up spread as well! There is definitely a certain style I was looking for in my wedding look. I wanted to look like an Indian bride, but a lot of the Indian makeup artists out there are very heavy on the color and are into the "matchy-matchy" eyeshadows. I wanted to look more fresh and modern and wanted my make-up to complement my clothes, not compete with. I didn't even have to explain, because as soon as I started talking she finished my sentence. She knew exactly what I wanted from the get-go, and this is what I think sets her apart. Some of the other elite artists/companies out there, who I thought also suited my style (I ended up booking one of them because Ami wasn't available for one of my events) were really overpriced and/or had terrible customer service due to their no shortage of clientele. Like some of the other reviewers mention, Ami is very quick in responding to email/following up with you, being up front about costs, etc. She listens to you, and really makes every effort to accommodate her client's needs. Her price is competitive with other services out there, but you get exactly what you pay for--quality work and quality service. She had the added task of trying to conceal my puffy crying eyes on the day of (as I had some drama earlier in the day), but she did a great job and helped me ice my under eyes while she was setting my hair. Additionally, my community has a unique dupatta pinning style and with some pictures and the guidance of one of my friends, she was able to get it right on the first try. She also has some cool tricks to make the dupatta stay on your head! I highly recommend Makeup By Ami and follow her make-up blog as well! She really knows her stuff--you can tell from her own flawless style and make-up job! You won't be disappointed at all! Take it from me--a picky, perfectionist bride. read more

Ami Was a wonderful and beautiful make up artist ! I remember I was talking to my coordinators about make and her name came up ! Then I had called her to see if she was available for my wedding , and had told me go on line fill the forms out and I'll get back to you. Which she totally did! I loved her personality, punctuality, and the way she did my hair and make up I honestly felt like a princess when she did it ! Thank you Ami for making me in to a princess on my wedding day ! Sincerely, Neha Chawla read more

I am so happy I chose Ami to be a part of my wedding! I actually found Ami on Yelp and after reading all of her reviews, I immediately knew she would be the one. I set up a trial and fell in love with everything she did. First off, Ami is gorgeous! So how can you not have her do your hair and makeup!? She was a pleasure to work with, a great listener, and very easy-going. I got A LOT of compliments from my guests about my hair and makeup and I am so thankful to Ami for making me look amazing. I will be forever grateful to Ami. I wish her nothing but the best in her future and will be recommending her to future brides. Thanks Ami! read more

I was also incredibly fortunate to have Ami be my hair and makeup artist for my wedding in May 2011. I didn't know too many Indian hair and makeup artists in Los Angeles and my husband's colleague kindly referred me to Ami. I had one trial hair and makeup session prior and knew immediately that I wanted to book her for my wedding. She does an amazing job and I love her style. I was unsure about what specifically I wanted for my wedding, I had some ideas but was very much open to her suggestions. Ami was great at giving advice on what eyeshadow colors and hairstyles would suite my face. That's exactly what I wanted: someone professional to give me advice on what works best for me! On the day of the wedding, she was patient and took her time to make sure my hair and makeup looked perfect for the ceremony and the reception. Aside from hair and makeup, she was my go-to person for getting me dressed for both events. She did a wonderful job! The number of compliments I got was incredible, thanks to Ami! Even now, almost a year later I have people asking me who my hair and makeup artist was- that's how good she is! I know her price is competitive but it is definitely worth it. I think hair and makeup is so important not only for your wedding day but for all the pictures and video footage you'll look back on in the years to come. Thanks to Ami's fabulous work, I know I won't have any regrets!! read more

Just had Ami style my sister's and my outfits for her (my sister's) wedding. She was lovely and professional! She showed up on time, had us ready in time, did lovely makeup, and knew what exactly what we wanted in terms of hairstyling even with our vague hand-wavy descriptions..."No poofiness! Please no poof!" Most importantly for us...she knew what to do with Desi kapre!!!! She knew how to pin the heavily beaded dupatta in place for the bride, and it stayed with only minor and easily done adjustments for the entire night. Only downside is that she is a little pricey...but I'm starting to think it was worth it for the efficiency, professionalism, and general peace of mind she allowed the bride and I to have upon experiencing her skills. read more

Ami is amazing! I agree with all of the other ladies who have reviewed her. I had Ami at Makeup by Ami do both my engagement shoot makeup/hair and wedding and reception makeup/hair after doing a trial with her. She is down to earth, easy to talk to, and can tell you what works for you and what won't. I chose her for my first and only trial after seeing pictures of her work on her website. She makes you look fresh and beautiful and you don't feel weighed down by layers of makeup. The day of the wedding she is calm, collected and her focus is on you. She also (for the South Asian brides out there) helps arrange bridal jewelry i.e. mang tikka, pins your chunri, and helps drape your sari. Everything stayed in perfect place for my walk towards the ceremony stage and throughout the ceremony. She created a different look for my reception outfit that was equally stunning. Whenever I show off the preliminary pictures I have received everybody says "Wow, who was your makeup artist?" read more

When I was getting married last year, my friend suggested I meet with Ami. When we first met, I was really impressed by how beautiful she was with her perfect hair and flawless makeup. Clearly, she knew what she was doing. As a wedding vendor, Ami was wonderful. She was so easy to work with and her very calm demeanor proved to be very reassuring on my wedding day. She gave me great ideas for my hair and makeup and paid close attention to my likes and dislikes. Although I initially thought her prices were high, in retrospect, I know that they were worth it in the end. She made me feel absolutely beautiful on my wedding day. She knew about my problem areas and made me feel and look flawless. She was on time and extremely professional. I can't imagine working with a better makeup artist and hairstylist. I highly recommend her services to other brides. read more